Political commentary from the LA Times

According to budget documents reviewed by The Times, Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger says he wants to sell San Quentin State Prison, the L.A. Coliseum, the Orange County Fairgrounds and other state properties to raise money desperately needed for government to spend on other things.

Outside rooms at the prison do have restricted water views. They also come equipped with a toilet and sink and ample concrete. No need to clean carpets in these cozy accommodations.

According to the documents, the surprise sales would raise up to $1 billion.

Or they might bring as little as $600 million.

Either way the money would not enter state coffers for several years.

But leaked word of the suggestion is priceless political publicity in terms of dramatizing the state's pathetic financial situation and -- gee, do you suspect? -- attempting to sway popular opinion to vote in favor of the governor's upcoming budget proposition.

The governor's budget proposition is -- how shall we put it? -- currently also operating in a deficit position in terms of recent polling support among voters who would be imposing the new taxes on themselves. Always an easy sell.